equal parts

remonstrate
bewitched state
you tried so hard
to deviate

now fall in
your coffin
you rest there
go nowhere

"strip!"

how i dream

of slipping out of

this skin

shedding the weight 

and walls

and reasons

that keep me bundled

up inside

always dressed for winter

in my heart

bare.

we grew 

out of the frame 

that we built 

on slipshod ledges

and canvased stone

the house

it caved

yet you stand 

outside

bell ringing 

waiting for the ghost 

you loved 

to answer 

that ring

bounces off

decayed walls

flaked splinters 

coat scuffed marble 

inside 

in a bare room 

just bones and bowls 

i slink 

plucking feathers 

from dove's wings 

with eyes to the ceiling

and ears far gone. 

mind/gut vs. heart

i long for you

yet recoil 

at the thought 

of your touch

i feast on our past

yet fear 

the inevitable 

reunion

i want you back 

yet i am 

myself completely 

without you here 

i want to tell you

yet can't handle 

the eternal weight 

of my words

i still love you 

as much as 

the first time

yet i will never again 

be yours 

what is it

i keep on reaching
still i keep falling
but i see bodies
worn from their clawing
the dreams have faded
regret alone lingers
and deep in their palms
are thousands of splinters.